Target of RNAIII activating protein (TRAP)

摘要

The present invention is directed to a protein isolated from <Italic>S</Italic>. <Italic>aureus</Italic> that is the target of RAP, called TRAP, which is characterized by a molecular weight of about 21 Kda, is capable of being phosphorylated by RAP, and comprises an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2. In addition, the present invention is directed towards an antibody immunoreactive with TRAP that is preferably a monoclonal antibody or a humanized antibody but may be a polyclonal antibody. The invention provides a method of treating <Italic>S</Italic>. <Italic>aureus</Italic> infection by administering such a TRAP-inhibiting agent. The invention also features methods for identifying compounds that inhibit TRAP activity and/or inhibit TRAP-RAP interaction.